Natural stone is one of the most versatile and durable materials for home and commercial projects. It can add elegance, charm, and value to any space, whether it is a kitchen countertop, a restroom floor, or a garden wall. They come in various colors, textures, and patterns, giving you endless possibilities to create your unique design. However, they also require proper installation and care to maintain its beauty and longevity. In this blog, we will guide you through the best practices for installing and caring for natural stone, and introduce you to some of the finest products from Madhav Marbles and Granites Ltd.
Steps of Installing Natural Stone
Installing it is not a DIY project. It requires professional skills, tools, and equipment to ensure a flawless and lasting result. Here are some of the steps involved in installing these stone:
• Measure and plan: Before you purchase a natural stone, you need to measure the area where you want to install it, and plan the layout, pattern, and orientation of the stone. You also need to consider the thickness, weight, and shape of the stone, and how it will fit with the existing structure and fixtures.
• Prepare the surface: The surface where you want to install them must be clean, dry, level, and stable. You may need to remove any existing tiles, wallpaper, or paint, and repair any cracks, holes, or damages. You may also need to apply a waterproof membrane, a backer board, or a mortar bed, depending on the type and location of the stone.
• Cut and fit the stone: They are not uniform in size and shape, so you need to cut and fit the stone according to your measurements and layout. You need to use a wet saw, a grinder, or a chisel to cut the stone, and a level, a spacer, and a trowel to fit the stone. You need to be careful and precise, as they are expensive and difficult to repair or replace.
• Apply the adhesive: The adhesive is the material that bonds them to the surface. You need to choose the right type of adhesive for your stone, such as thinset, epoxy, or mastic. You need to mix and apply the adhesive according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and spread it evenly and thinly over the surface and the back of the stone. You need to work in small sections, and press the stone firmly into the adhesive.
• Grout the joints: The joints are the spaces between the stone tiles or slabs. You need to fill the joints with grout, which is a mixture of cement, sand, and water. You need to choose the right color and type of grout for your stone, such as sanded, unsanded, or epoxy. You need to apply the grout with a rubber float, and wipe off any excess with a damp sponge. You need to let the grout dry and cure for at least 24 hours.
• Seal the stone: The final step in installing these stones is sealing it. Sealing is the process of applying a protective coating over these stones to prevent stains, scratches, and damages. You need to choose the right type of sealer for your stone, such as penetrating, topical, or enhancing. You need to apply the sealer with a brush, a roller, or a spray, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You need to let the sealer dry and cure for at least 48 hours.
How to Care for Natural Stone
Caring for these stones is not complicated, but it requires regular and gentle maintenance. Here are some of the tips for caring for these stone:
• Clean the stone: You need to clean them regularly with a soft cloth or a mop, and warm water. You can also use a mild soap or a pH-neutral cleaner, but avoid any acidic, abrasive, or harsh chemicals, such as vinegar, bleach, or ammonia. You need to rinse the stone thoroughly, and dry it with a towel or a squeegee.
• Protect the stone: You need to protect them from any spills, stains, scratches, or damages. You can use coasters, mats, rugs, or pads to cover the stone, and wipe off any spills immediately. You can also use a cutting board, a trivet, or a hot pad to prevent heat or moisture damage. You need to avoid dragging or dropping any heavy or sharp objects on the stone, and repair any chips or cracks as soon as possible.
• Re-seal the stone: You need to re-seal them periodically, depending on the type, location, and usage of the stone. Re-sealing is the process of applying a new coat of sealer over the natural stone to restore its protection and appearance. You need to follow the same steps as sealing, and test the stone for water absorption to determine the frequency of re-sealing.
Madhav Marbles and Granites Ltd: Your Trusted Source for Natural Stone
If you are looking for high-quality and affordable natural stone for your home or commercial project, look no further than Madhav Marbles and Granites Ltd. We are one of the leading manufacturers and exporters of natural stone in India. We offer a wide range of stone products, such as granite, marble, sandstone and many more in various colors, textures, and finishes. Some of our most popular products are:
• Coffee Brown Granite: This is a stunning and durable granite that features a rich brown color with black and white specks. It is ideal for countertops, flooring, wall cladding, and landscaping. It can add warmth and elegance to any space, and complement any style and decor.
• Green Marble: This is a gorgeous and versatile marble that showcases a light green color with dark green veins. It is perfect for flooring, wall cladding, vanity tops, and tabletops. It can create a soothing and refreshing ambiance, and blend well with any color scheme and design.
• Rainbow Sandstone: This is a beautiful and unique sandstone that displays a rainbow of colors, such as red, yellow, orange, and purple. It is suitable for flooring, wall cladding, paving, and garden ornaments. It can add a splash of color and charm to any space, and make a statement with its beauty.
With these and many more stone products, Madhav Marbles and Granites Ltd can help you transform your space with the beauty and longevity of these stones. We have a state-of-the-art infrastructure, a skilled and dedicated team, and a global network of clients and partners. We ensure the highest standards of quality, service, and satisfaction for our customers.
Conclusion
It is one of the best materials for your home or commercial project, as it can offer beauty, durability, and value. However, these stones also require proper installation and care to preserve its beauty and longevity. In this blog, we guided you through the best practices for installing and caring for natural stone, and introduced you to some of the finest stone products that we offer. If you are interested in natural stone, or have any questions or queries, feel free to contact us.